This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

October 29, 1997

STATEMENT OF WILLIAM E. KENNARD UPON CONFIRMATION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

I am grateful to the Senate for confirming my nomination to the Federal
Communications Commission. I look forward to carrying out the duties entrusted to me.

I am honored that President Clinton and Vice President Gore have shown their
confidence in me to help chart the course in an area of such importance to the country.

It has been my privilege to serve as General Counsel of the FCC for the past three and
a half years. I am grateful to Chairman Hundt for the opportunity to have served as General
Counsel, and for the bold leadership he provided to the agency. Commissioners Quello, Ness
and Chong have each also served with dedication and distinction. I am delighted that I will
have the opportunity to serve with Commissioner Ness on the Commission.

This is a time of great challenge and opportunity in telecommunications. As Chairman
of the FCC, I will continue the FCC's efforts to replace regulation with competition, and to
hasten the delivery of many new telecommunications services to the public. In doing so we
will strive to provide quality telecommunications services at the best price to American
consumers.

Communications technology has the power to unite the nation and the world. Those
of us in public service should seek to make it easier for all Americans to use the tools of the
21st century to empower, enrich and draw together. I pledge today to roll up my sleeves and
give my best effort in pursuit of these ideals.